Western New York Region will Begin Reopening on May 19, 2020

Today Governor Cuomo announced that the Western New York region, which includes Niagara County, has met the seven metrics needed for reopening and on Tuesday, May 19th the region will be allowed to enter Phase One. This will include businesses in Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Retail (curbside pick-up only), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting. Businesses will need to have established a safety plan, which includes guidelines and safety protocols designed to protect their employees and customers. These guidelines will need to be printed and displayed onsite. Businesses will also have to self-certify their safely plan by filling out and submitting the NYS Business Affirmation Form. All of these documents can be found here.

Wondering when your business can open?

New York State has designed a lookup tool to assist businesses that want to know where they fit in the reopening plan. Use the NY Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool to learn more.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application Now Available

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Loan Forgiveness Application is now available. The documents will help small businesses seek forgiveness at the conclusion of the eight-week covered period, which begins with the disbursement of their loans. Click here to view the application and instructions. If you have any questions about the application or the Paycheck Protection Program in general, you should contact the NCCC Small Business Development Center at (716) 210-2515 or by email. Specialists are available to assist you.

Stay engaged to Keep Up to Date on the Latest Developments

Continue to look for emails from our office in the coming days and weeks updating you on the latest reopening news and what assistance is available to help you through this difficult time. Our staff is working hard to compile a complete list of guidelines, safety protocols and programs that are available. To learn more, be sure to visit our website and bookmark it. Once there, look for the COVID-19 tab.